Shifting Tides Play Therapy

02/24/2026

What would you add to the list ⁉️

02/24/2026

When your child hits, shouts, or lashes out… it’s easy to see defiance.

But what if it’s actually defence?

In the primary years, the fight response isn’t a choice. It’s a brain on high alert, reacting to a perceived threat. Their body floods with energy, their thinking brain goes offline, and survival takes over.

It can look like anger.
It can feel like aggression.
But underneath, it’s a child who doesn’t feel safe.

This is their voice… from the inside of the fight response.

Because when we understand what’s really happening, we stop asking, “How do I stop this behaviour?”
And start asking, “What does my child need right now?”

Girl version will also be posted.

02/24/2026

02/24/2026

If a child tries to caretake you in the playroom, it’s often because they are working through one of two things:

🔹 They are parentified. They have learned to take responsibility for the emotions of others and feel it’s their job to keep people happy.

🔹 They struggle with certain emotions. When sadness (or another difficult feeling) enters the space, they try to move you—or themselves—away from it because it’s outside their window of tolerance.

Either way, this moment is happening for a reason. It’s not random.

The goal isn’t to shut the child down or reject their care, but instead to gently model a different experience.

Next time this happens, try staying present and reflecting back:

🗣️ “You don’t want me to be sad.”
🗣️ “You’re trying to take care of me.”
🗣️ “I’m OK. It’s OK to be sad.”

This might seem small, but it’s huge.

💜 If the child is parentified, this gives them a felt experience of not being responsible for someone else’s emotions. That alone can be one of the most healing moments in their entire therapy journey.

💜 If the child struggles with being with sadness, this keeps them from avoiding or shutting it down—helping them integrate the emotion rather than pushing it away.

The Bigger Takeaway - When this moment arises in the playroom:

✅ Pause—don’t discount it. It’s happening for a reason.
✅ Recognize its significance. This is likely connected to the very thing the child is working on.
✅ Model authenticity and self-regulation. Show them that emotions can be felt and held without needing to be “fixed.”

This is not a mistake in the session. It’s part of the process.

So next time a child tries to take care of you—take a breath, lean in, and trust that this moment is unfolding exactly as it needs to.

♡ Lisa

02/24/2026

02/24/2026

02/24/2026

Come to St. John's or join virtually.

02/23/2026

02/23/2026

Sending a child away may stop behavior temporarily.
Staying close teaches them what’s happening inside.
Connection builds capacity.

Share this shift with your community.

For free tools, a Time-In Quiz, and a step-by-step Guidebook on how to use Time-Ins effectively, visit our Linktree and explore the resources waiting for you.

02/23/2026

For those beginning their Play Therapy journey.

02/23/2026

Milestone Monday 🏃‍♀️✨

Running gets smoother with time! Around age 3, many children begin alternating their arms and legs while running—showing growing coordination, balance, and body awareness through active play.

(Two young children run on an outdoor track. Overlaid text reads: “Milestone Monday” and “When children are 3 years old, they alternate arms and feet when running.” The Allied Therapy logo and the handle “.therapy” appear near the bottom.)

02/23/2026

Mona Delahooke, Ph.D. 💗